Kennewick National Baseball: 70' Format

Base Paths: The distance between bases has been lengthened from 60 feet to 70 feet.The distance is measured from the inside of the bases.

Pitchers Mound: The distance from home plate to the Pitchers mound has been lengthened from 46 feet to 50 feet.The distance is measured from the back point of home plate to the front of the rubber.

Infield/Outfield grass line: The measurement from the back center of the Pitchers mound to the grass line was previously a 50 foot arc.The arc has now been extended to approximately 65 feet, which will accommodate the extended base paths.

Outfield Fence: The length of the outfield fences will not be modified.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR MAJOR FIELD: The Major Field will be modifiedto accommodate what is referred to as a convertible field.Namely a field which can accommodate both Major and non-Major Division games.

Rule changes from Cal Ripken Major 60

League Age of Major Players: The KNYB Board has voted and approved that because of the change in format for the Major division, only league age 11 & 12yr old players are eligible for the Major division this season.

Leading off:Runners will be allowed to lead off from any base at their own risk. Players will be coached on what each runners safe distance is for leading off, techniques for getting back to the respective base when the defense attempts to throw them out, as well as when to steal. Players will learn how to read a pitcheras well as learn the hit and run technique.

Balks: Balks are technical in nature and will be called by the Umpires during the game.A balk is basically any movement by the pitcher which is intended to deceive the runner or in some cases the Batter. For instructional purposes, they will be given a warning on the first Balk, but on the second balk then the penalty will be enforced which is to advance any base runners one base for the balk infraction

Dropped third strike: When the catcher does not catch the pitched ball on a third strike whether the pitch is a wild pitch, passed ball, or simply dropped by the catcher, the batter may run to first if unoccupied by another runner and the catcher will have the opportunity to retrieve the ball and throw the runner out at first.